Big Blue Cloud Computing with IBM Tivoli Provisioning Manager (TPM)

[This article is sponsored by Peningo Systems, Inc., a provider of Tivoli Consulting Services on a nationwide basis. For more information on Peningo Systems, please go to the Peningo Tivoli Consultants page. ]

The newest version of IBM’s Tivoli Provisioning Manager (TPM) helps clients reduce manual steps to better automate the changing demands for IT resources. This is a key to IBM’s version of cloud computing, which is called Blue Cloud. The technologies developed as part of this initiative enable clients to build large-scale, distributed, globally accessible datacenters.

As a foundation for datacenter automation, TPM plays an important role in helping IT organizations manage power consumption by switching servers to standby mode when not in use, which saves energy, and automatically restores them to active mode when needed.

Blue Cloud is based on an updated version of IBM’s Tivoli Provisioning Manager product that includes new automation features that remove much of the manual graft in data center management.

TPM is used to deploy, configure and manage data center IT infrastructure including software applications, virtualization, storage, network devices, routers and firewalls.

IBM is positioning TPM at the forefront of its “Blue Cloud” cloud computing initiative. Cloud computing refers to a new type of distributed IT architecture that pools computer resources together rather than managing individual PCs or servers.

TPM dynamically provisions and allocates resources to compensate for workload fluctuations in changing business environments. It’s these fluctuations that strain IT resources while other systems run at less efficiently. In concept this is a problem cloud computing can resolve.

The idea is that users of the Blue Cloud need only be concerned with computing services requested, and not the underlying resources that are being accessed. Cloud Computing increases efficiencies of systems resources because it ensures that underutilized systems aren’t sitting idle. It also removes the IT administrator burden of installing and setting up software manually.

From the IBM website, I was able to get the following information regarding the newest version of TPM:

TPM 5.1.1 includes a variety of enhancements to expand the capabilities and benefits of automating common datacenter tasks while providing interoperability to support diverse IT environments and varying levels of IT maturity. The new capabilities help simplify software installation and improve distribution, monitor IT resources across an enterprise, and create reusable automation packages to perform complex tasks that can be used again later.

Specifically, TPM automates the discovery, deployment, configuration and management of operating systems, patches, middleware, and applications on physical and virtual servers. It can manage virtualization technologies, SAN- and NAS-based storage resources, and network devices acting as routers, switches, firewalls and load balancers. TPM also allows a company to automate its own datacenter procedures and processes either by modifying automation packages or creating new packages that match a company’s best practices.

TPM lowers the cost of managing infrastructure resources by automating tasks to execute change in the enterprise. Provisioning, maintaining and re-purposing IT resources is made easier, while systems are made more secure and stable through software and security configuration compliance and remediation, freeing up resources to focus on business issues and innovation.

Specific new enhancements include:

Web Replay — Web Replay works by enabling experts to share knowledge with others. With Web Replay, a user can “record” the mouse clicks, data insertion and other processes involved in any complex task. Afterwards, any user with the appropriate access can run the recorded scenario. Operations that may require a series of screen interactions can be condensed down to a single push of a button. Consequently, experts on a subject can develop and record the actions needed to execute very complex tasks. These “recordings” can then be used and altered as needed by others. This ensures that tasks are executed correctly and completely.

Cross-platform patch support — TPM helps customers automate many steps involved in compliance efforts. For example, the software gives customers an integrated way to manage patches on Windows, Linux, Solaris and AIX. This helps staff be more efficient and avoid errors.

TADDM integration — TPM 5.1.1 delivers improved integration with the Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager (TADDM). TADDM provides complete visibility into application complexity by automatically creating and maintaining application infrastructure maps. The information can be used to improve compliance and remediation, speed up problem solving, and simplify day-to-day resource management.

Dynamic Content Delivery — TPM Dynamic Content Delivery enables the efficient delivery of large data payloads such as high-resolution video, computer-aided design data and online learning content across an enterprise. It decreases hardware and administrative costs associated with application software delivery and life cycle management, and provides high-performance, optimized delivery of emergency fixes or complete software suites.

Streamlined installation — A user friendly installation wizard lets customers install the entire package with minimal user interaction, getting them up and running with TPM in just a few hours.

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